5 facts: Summer childcare tax credit

The Internal Revenue Service has some good news for South Florida parents: That extra money they pay for summer childcare expenses may qualify for a tax credit, local IRS spokesman Mike Dobzinski said.

About 30 percent of South Florida adults have children 11 and under.

With school out, some of these parents may have to find childcare while they're at work, said Dobzinksi of Plantation.

But, those added expenses may provide tax relief, he said.

Dobzinski gave five facts for parents about the Child and Dependent Care Credit:

Cost of a day camp where you leave and pick up your child each day may count as an expense toward the child and dependent care credit.

You'll get some tax benefit if you qualify for the credit whether your childcare provider is a sitter at your home or a daycare facility.

Expenses for overnight camps do not qualify.

The tax credit can be up to 35 percent of your qualifying expenses, depending on your income.

You may use up to $3,000 of the non-reimbursed expenses paid in a year for one qualifying individual or $6,000 for two or more qualifying individuals to figure the credit.

For more information go to IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses. This publication is available at www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).